Homemade Greek Vinaigrette

If you’ve ever had that tangy, flavorful Greek salad dressing at your favorite Mediterranean restaurant and wondered, “How do I make this at home?”—well, today’s your lucky day! This Homemade Greek Vinaigrette is the real deal, and trust me, it’s going to become your go-to dressing for all things salad, veggie, and even grilled meats. It’s light, zesty, and bursting with Mediterranean goodness. So, get ready to elevate your salads, bowls, or even roasted veggies with this easy and fresh vinaigrette. You’ll never go back to store-bought again!

Why You’ll Love Homemade Greek Vinaigrette

This vinaigrette isn’t just a dressing—it’s a flavor-packed, versatile staple that’ll liven up all your meals. Here’s why you’re going to adore it:

Fresh and Flavorful

With a balance of olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of vinegar, this vinaigrette is packed with fresh, bright flavors that will make your taste buds dance. It’s like a mini vacation to the Mediterranean with every bite.

Quick and Easy

It only takes a few minutes to whip up, and you don’t need any fancy equipment. You’ll just shake or whisk together a few simple ingredients, and voilà—you’ve got a fresh, homemade dressing ready to go!

Customizable

You can adjust the level of tanginess, sweetness, or garlic to match your taste. Want it more garlicky? Add a bit more minced garlic. Prefer it a little sweeter? A dash of honey will do the trick. It’s easy to personalize, so it’s always just right for you.

Versatile

This vinaigrette is perfect for salads (of course), but it’s also amazing as a marinade for grilled chicken, fish, or veggies. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or use it as a dip for pita bread. It’s super versatile and will become your secret weapon for easy, flavorful meals.

Healthy

Made with heart-healthy olive oil and fresh ingredients, this vinaigrette is a healthier option compared to many store-bought dressings packed with preservatives and sugar.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this zesty Greek vinaigrette:

Olive Oil

The base of this vinaigrette. Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

Red Wine Vinegar

Adds that perfect tangy kick that makes this vinaigrette so bright and lively.

Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice gives a citrusy burst that perfectly balances the richness of the olive oil.

Garlic

Garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Freshly minced is best for that fragrant punch.

Dijon Mustard

A little Dijon mustard helps to emulsify the dressing and gives it a smooth, creamy texture.

Dried Oregano

This gives the vinaigrette that Mediterranean flair, infusing it with a warm, earthy flavor.

Salt and Pepper

Season to taste, and you’ll be amazed at how much these two simple ingredients bring everything together.

Instructions

Here’s how to create this Mediterranean masterpiece:

Mix the Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and oregano.

Season to Taste

Add salt and pepper to taste. I recommend starting with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, then adjusting as needed.

Whisk or Shake

Once everything is in the bowl, whisk it together until it’s fully combined. If you prefer a more convenient method, you can simply add everything to a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake it until emulsified.

Taste and Adjust

Give it a taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a bit more vinegar or lemon juice. For a sweeter touch, a tiny drizzle of honey works wonders.

Store and Serve

Store your vinaigrette in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before serving as the ingredients may separate over time.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 110
Total Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrates: 1g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 0g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

How to Serve Homemade Greek Vinaigrette

This vinaigrette isn’t just for salads—it’s the perfect addition to so many dishes. Here are a few ways to serve it:

Greek Salad

Toss it with a classic Greek salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. It’s the ultimate pairing.

Grilled Chicken or Fish

Use it as a marinade for grilled chicken or fish. The acidity from the vinegar and lemon helps tenderize the meat while adding fantastic flavor.

Roasted Veggies

Drizzle this vinaigrette over roasted veggies like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for a fresh, Mediterranean twist.

Grain Bowls

This vinaigrette is perfect for grain bowls. Drizzle it over quinoa, couscous, or farro with your favorite toppings like roasted vegetables, hummus, and grilled chicken.

Pita Bread

Serve it as a dip for warm pita bread. It’s a simple and delicious appetizer or snack!

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead

You can easily make this vinaigrette in advance. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to a week, so make a batch and have it ready to go for your salads and meals throughout the week.

Add a Sweet Twist

If you prefer a slightly sweeter dressing, add a teaspoon of honey or a small spoonful of maple syrup for a natural sweetener.

Dairy-Free Version

This vinaigrette is naturally dairy-free, making it perfect for anyone following a dairy-free or vegan diet.

Fresh Herbs

While dried oregano is perfect for the classic Greek flavor, you can also experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a different twist.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of vinegar?

A1: Yes! While red wine vinegar is traditional, you can also use balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar for a slightly different flavor.

Q2: Can I make this vinaigrette ahead of time?

A2: Yes! It keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using.

Q3: Can I substitute the Dijon mustard with regular mustard?

A3: Absolutely! If you don’t have Dijon mustard, yellow mustard will work as a substitute. The flavor will be a bit milder, but it will still work well.

Q4: Is this dressing gluten-free?

A4: Yes, this homemade Greek vinaigrette is naturally gluten-free, so it’s safe for anyone on a gluten-free diet.

Q5: Can I use dried garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

A5: Sure! You can substitute garlic powder for fresh garlic. Use about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic.

Q6: Can I adjust the tanginess of the vinaigrette?

A6: Absolutely! If you prefer a tangier dressing, simply add a bit more lemon juice or vinegar. Adjust to your taste!

Q7: Can I use this vinaigrette as a marinade for meats?

A7: Yes! This vinaigrette works wonderfully as a marinade for chicken, lamb, or fish. Let the meat marinate for 30 minutes to a few hours before grilling or baking.

Q8: Is this vinaigrette vegan-friendly?

A8: Yes! This Greek vinaigrette is vegan-friendly and can be enjoyed by those following a plant-based diet.

Q9: Can I make this vinaigrette spicier?

A9: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette. It adds a wonderful kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Q10: How can I make this vinaigrette creamy?

A10: To make it creamy, add a small amount of Greek yogurt or a tablespoon of tahini. This will give it a rich, smooth texture.

Conclusion

This Homemade Greek Vinaigrette is a game-changer! It’s fresh, flavorful, and so easy to make. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought dressing again. Plus, with all the ways you can customize it, you’ll find yourself using it on everything from salads to roasted vegetables to grilled meats. So go ahead, whip up a batch and let your taste buds travel to the Mediterranean with every bite!

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